Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advised police officers on how to conduct themselves when dealing with the public, so that they may not fall short of standards expected of them.
In particular, he brought to their attention the laws that govern professional and effective policing, noting that if adhered to, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) would always give them a clean bill of health.
IPOA, a civilian-led oversight mechanism, was formed in 2012 with the aim of ensuring police are accountable to the public when discharging their duties.
Further, the Authority has powers and functions that enable it to investigate offences against the police and recommend remedial actions including prosecution.
Mr Gachagua said: “We are not saying in any way that the Oversight Authority should not do their job. They must go ahead and do it but our officers must be safe. But again, for us to be able to protect you (police officers), you have five documents that you must rely on so that you work professionally.”
He went on: “The Constitution of Kenya, The National Police Service Standing Orders, the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Evidence Act. With those five documents you will never get into problem with the Oversight Authority or the law.”
Mr. Gachagua was addressing police officers Wednesday, December 21, 2022 the National Police Leadership Academy, Ngong, Kajiado County.
The Deputy President acknowledged that the authority had since its inception, promoted professionalism among police officers. He urged the National Police Service to be civil as it discharges its work. He called on the Authority to however ensure that the police officers are safe.